Apparatus for controlling railway switches



June 8, 1937. H. YOUNG ETAL Y APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RAILWAY SWITCHES Original Filed Dec.

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INVENTORS Henry 6'. Young and BYHQ Bil/0120.

THEIR ATTORNEY i atenteci June 8 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFlCE APPARATUS roe CONTROLLING RAILWAY SWITCHES Original application December 10, 1935, Serial 53,774. Divided and this application November 14, 1936, Serial No. 110,884

7 Claims.

Our invention relates to apparatus for controlling railway switches, and particularly to apparatus for normally controlling a switch from a remote point, but for at times modifying such control in accordance with traffic conditions adjacent the switch.

Apparatus embodying our invention is particularly suitable for, although in no way limited to, the control of railway switches which are arranged to be operated by means of the switch operating mechanism described and claimed in an application for Letters Patent of the United States, Serial No. 40,606; filed by Herbert L. Bone, on September 14, 1935,for Railway switch operating apparatus.

The present application is a division of our copending application, Serial No. 53,774, filed on December 10, 1935, for Apparatus for controlling railway switches.

We will describe two forms of apparatus embodying our invention, and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing one form of apparatus embodying our invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing a modification of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in both views.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference characters l and I designate the track rails of a stretch A of railway track, the one rail I of which is divided by means of insulated joints 2 to form a track section BC. This track section is pro- I vided with a track circuit comprising a track relay D connected across the rails adjacent one end of the section, and a suitable source of track circuit current, here shown as a battery 3, connected across the rails adjacent the other end of the section.

Located in section BC is a switch E which connects the stretch A with a stretch of track F. The switch E is operated by a suitable switch mechanism M, which mechanism, as here shown,

' is of the electropneumatic type havingincluded therein suitable biasing means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position, whereby when the switch is moved to either extreme position, it will be yieldingly held in such extreme position even though the supply of fluid to the operating motor of the mechanism is then cut off. The mechanism M is provided with the usual normal magnet N and reverse magnet R, it being understood that the switch may be moved from its normal position to its reverse position by energizing the reverse magnet R, and from its reverse position to its normal position by energizing the normal magnet N. One form of mechanism which will operate in the manner just described is shown and described in an application for Letters Patent of the United States, Serial No. 40,606, filed by Herbert L. Bone, on September 14, 1935, for Railway switch operating apparatus.

Operatively connected with the switch E is a circuit controller G comprising three movable contact fingers 4, 5, and 6 which cooperate respectively with fixed contact fingers 4* 4 5 5 and 6 6 to form contacts 44 4-4 5-5 55 Bfi, and 66. Contact 44 is closed when switch E occupies its normal position or any position between its normal position and its mid stroke position; contact 44 is closed when switch E occupies its reverse position, or any position between its reverse position and its mid stroke position; contact 55 is closed when switch E occupies any position but its full reverse position; contact 5-4) is closed only when switch E occupies its full reverse position; contact 6-45 is closed only when switch E occupies its full normal position; and contact BB is closed when switch E occupies any position but its full normal position.

The magnets of the switch mechanism M are controlled by the circuit controller G, by the track relay D and by a manually operable lever L.

The lever L will usually be located at a point remote from the switch, and as here shown is capable of assuming a normal position n and a reverse position 1'. Operatively connected with the lever L is a contact arm I which cooperates with two fixed contacts 1 and T to close a normal contact l-l or a reverse contact 'l--'| according as lever L occupies its 11. or its 1* position.

The apparatus also includes an indication lamp H a resistor J and a battery K. The function of the lamp H andresistor J will become apparent as the description proceeds.

As shown in the drawing, lever L occupies its normal position, section BC is unoccupied, and switch E occupies its normal position. Under these conditions, the normal and reverse magnets are both deenergized but the indication lamp H is energized over a normal indication circuit which passes from battery K through wire 9, contact 'l-l of lever L, front contact IU of relay D, contact BG of circuit controller G, wire 30, and the filament of lamp H to battery K. When the lamp is energized overthis circuit, it burns with full brilliancy, thus indicating that the switch and lever occu y corresponding extreme positions and section B-C is unoccupied.

If the operator in charge of lever L wishes to reverse the switch, he reverses lever L, thereby opening contact 1-1 and closing contact 1-7 The opening of contact 'l-l interrupts the indication circuit which was previously closed for lamp H at this contact, thus causing this lamp to become extinguished, while the closing of the contact l-l completes a normal control circuit for the reverse magnet R, which circuit passes from battery K through wire 9, contact l-lrof lever L, front contact l3 of relay D,contact -5 of circuit controller G, Wire I4, the winding of magnet R, and wire I2 back to battery K. The

reverse magnet R therefore becomes energized and causes the switch E to moveto its reverse position. position, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G opens and deenergizes the reverse magnet, and

contact 5-5 closes and completes a reverse indication circuit for lamp 1-1 This latter indication circuit may be traced from battery K through wire 9, contact 1-1 of lever L, front contact l3 of relay D, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G, wire 39, and the filament .of lamp H to battery K. Lamp H therefore becomes lighted at full brilliancy to again indicate that the switch and lever occupy corresponding extreme positions and section 3-0 is unoccupied.

It should be pointed out that if, when the switch occupies its reverse position, it should creep away from this position for any reason due, for example, to misadjustment of the biasing means of the mechanism M, contact 5-5? will become closed and will reestablish the circuit previously traced for the reverse magnet R, thus causing the switch to'be immediately restored to its reverse position; a

If the operator wishes to restore switch E to its normal position, he returns lever L to its normal position, whereupon the normal magnet becomes energized by virtue of a normal control circuit which passes from battery K through wire 9, contact 1-1 of lever L, front contact In of 'track relay D, contact 6-6 of circuit controller 'G, the winding of normal magnet N, and wire 2 to battery K. The normal magnet N therefore becomes energized and causes the switch to move to itsnor mal position. When the switch reaches its normal position,contact 6-6 of circuit controller G opens and deen'ergizes magnet N, and contact G-t closes and completes the normal indication circuit for lamp H Lamp H 'there thus cause the switch. tobe immediately restored to its normal position.

When theparts occupy their normal positions in which they are shown in the drawing and a train enters section-BC, the resultant deenergization of relay D will open all control circuits controlled by lever L,.thus preventing operation of the switch by the lever as long as the section B-C remains occupied. The deenergizatio-n of relay D will alsointerrupt the normal indication When the switch reaches wits reverse.

circuit including normal contact 1-1 of lever L and will complete an auxiliary indication circuit passing from battery K through resistor J back contact I! of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire l8, contact BB of circuit controller G, wire 30', and thefilament of lamp H back to battery K. The resistance of the resistor J is such that, when this circuit is closed, lamp H will become lighted at reduced brilliancy, thus giving an indication that the switch is in one of its extreme positions and section 3-0 is occupied. If the switch does not occupy its normal position at any time while section BC is occupied by the train, contact 6-6 of circuit controller G will be open and contact 6-9 will be closed, and under these conditions current will flow from battery K through resistor J back contact I! of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire l8, contact 6-6 of circuit controller G, the winding of normal magnet N, and wire l2 back to battery K. The magnet N will therefore become energized and will immediately restore the switch to its normal position.

If ,a train enters section 3-0 when the switch occupies its reverse position, the operation of the apparatus will be similar to that just described ;with the exception that under these conditions the indication lamp H will become lighted at reduced brilliancy over another auxiliary indication circuit which passes from battery K through resistor J back contact I"! of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire l5, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G, wire 30, and the filament of lamp H to battery K. If the switch moves away from its reverse position for any reason while the train is in section B-C, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G will becomeclosed and will complete an auxiliary control circuit for the reverse magnet R, passing from battery K through resistor J back contact I! of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire [5, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G, wire l4, the winding of reverse magnet R, and Wire 12 back to battery K. The reverse magnet R will therefore become energized and will immediately restore the switch to its reverse position.

. We will now assume that the parts are in their normal positions and that a train trails the switch. Under these conditions, as soon as the train has moved the switch away from its normal position far enough to close contact 6-6 of circuit controller G, the normal magnet N will become energized over the previously traced auxiliary control circuit including contact 6-6 of circuit controller G, contact 1- 1 of circuit controller G, and back contaotl'l of relay D and will thus cause the mechanism M to tend to retain the switch in its normal position. The train, however, will exert sufi'lcient force on the switch to move it toward its reverse position in opposition to the force exerted on it by the mechanism M, and as soon as the switch passes its mid stroke position, the circuit which was previously closed for the normal magnet N will become interrupted at contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, and a circuit for the reverse magnet R will become closed at contact 4-4 of circuit controller G. This latter circuit may be traced from battery K through resistor J back contact ll of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire [5, contact 5-5 of circuit controller G, wire I4, the winding of magnet R, and wire l2 back to battery K. The energization of magnet R. will cause the mechanism M toassist the train in moving the switch to its reverse position. When the switch reaches its reverse position, contact 5--5 of circuit controller G will open andwill deenergize magnet R. Furthermore, contact 55 will become closed and will complete the previously described auxiliary indication circuit for lamp H including this contact and back contact I! of relay D. Lamp H will therefore become lighted at reduced brilliancy, thus indicating that the switch has reached its reverse position. When the train which trailed the switch departs from section B-C, relay D will, of course, pick up and will thus interrupt the auxiliary indication circuit which was previously closed at back contact l'l. Furthermore, the picking up of this relay will complete the previously described circuit for the normal magnet N including front contact ii] of relay D and contact 6-43 of circuit controller G. This magnet will therefore become energized and will cause the mechanism M to restore the switch to its normal position. Assoon as the switch reaches its normal position, contact 6-8 of circuit controller G willo-pen and will deenergize the magnet N, and contact 66* of circuit controller G will become closed and will complete the previously described indication circuit for lamp H including this contact. It will be apparent, therefore, that with the ap paratus constructed as shown in Fig. 1 if a train trails the switch when the switch occupies its normal position, the switch will be restored to its normal position as soon as the train departs'from the section BC.

If a train trails the switch when the switch occupies its reverse position as soon as the switch points have been forced away from their reverse positions far enough to close contact 55* of circuit controller. G, a circuit for the reverse magnet R will become completed which may be traced from battery K through resistor J back contact ll of relay D, contact 4-4 of circuit controller G, wire l5, contact 55* of circuit controller G, wire M, the winding of the reverse magnet R, and wire l2 back to battery K. The reverse magnet R will therefore become energized and will cause the mechanism M to oppose the movement of the switch. The train, however, will continue to force the pointstoward their normal positions, and as soon as the switch passes its mid stroke position, the circuit which was previously closed for the reverse magnet R will i become opened at contact 4.4 of circuit controller G and a circuit for the normal magnet will become closed at contact 4--4 of circuit con troller G. This latter circuit passes from battery K through resistor J back contact I! of track relay D, contact 4-@ of circuit controller G,

wire l8, contact 66 of circuit controller G, the winding of normal magnet N, and wire l2 to battery K. The reverse magnet R will therefore become deenergized and the normal magnet N will become energized, thus causing the mechanism M to assist the train in moving the switch to its normal position. When the switch reaches its full normal position, the resultant opening of contact 6-6 of circuit controller G will deenergize the normal magnet N and the resultant closing of contact 6-6 of circuit controller G will complete the previously described auxiliary indication circuit for lamp H including the contact BB and the back contact I! of .relay D. When the train departs from the section BC, relay D will, of course, pick up thereby opening its back contact I! and closing its front contacts liland I3. The opening of back contact I! will interrupt the auxiliary indication circuit for lamp H including this contact, while the closing of front contact [3 of the relay will complete the previously described circuit for the reverse magnet R including this contact and contact 5-4 of circuit controller G. The reverse magnet R will therefore become energized and will cause the mechanism M to restore the switch to its reverse position. When the switch reaches its reverse position, contact5--5 of circuit controller G will e-pen and will deenergize the magnet R, and contact 5-5 of circuit controller G will close and will complete the previously described indication circuit for the lamp H Itfollows from the foregoing that with the apparatus constructed as shown in Fig. 1, when the switch occupies either extreme position, lamp 1-1 will be lighted at full brilliancy or at reduced brilliancy according as section BC is unoccupied or occupied and that, when the switch is in transit, the lamp will be extinguished, thus giving three distinctive indications by means of a single indication lamp.

. Referring now to Fig. 2, we have here shown a modification of a portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. As here illustrated, two indication lamps H- and H are provided. The lamp H is connected between the wire 30 and the negative terminal of battery K in series with a normal contact 2!2l of lever L, while the lamp H is similarly connected in series with a contact Eh-2P of lever L between the wire 30 and the negative terminal of the battery K. It will be seen, therefore, that with the apparatus modified as shown in 2, the lamp H will become energized at full brilliancy when the switch and lever both occupy their normal. positions and section BC is unoccupied, and at reduced brilliancy when the switch occupies its normal position and section BC is occupied, or when the switch is forced to its reverse position by a trailing train. It will also be seen that lamp H will become energized at full brilliancy when the switch and lever both occupy reverse positions,

and section BC is unoccupied, and at reduced brilliancy when the switch occupies its reverse position and section BC is occupied, or when the switch is forced to its normal position by a trailing train. It will further be seen that, when switch E is in transit, both lamps H and. H

will be extinguished, thus giving the operator an indication at all times of the position of the switch and whether or not section BC is occupied or unoccupied.

Although we have herein shown and described only two forms of apparatus embodying our invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims Without departing from the spirit and scope of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connectedwith saidswitch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by trafiic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, with a fifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its reverse position; a circuit for said normal magnet in cluding a normal contact of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contactof said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact; a first indication circuit including a normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact; a second indication circuit including a reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact, a resistor, a third indication circuit including said resistor, a back contact of said relay, said fifth contact, and said third contact; and a fourth indication circuit including said resistor, said back contact of said relay, said sixth contact and said fourth contact.

2. In-combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlledby trafiic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact, an indication lamp, a first circuit for said indication lamp including a normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact, and a second circuit for said indication lamp including a reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact.

3. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by trafiic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, with a fifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its reverse position, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact, an indication lamp, a first circuit for said indication lamp including a normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact, a second circuit for said indication lamp including a reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact, a resistor, an auxiliary circuit for said normal magnet including said resistor, a back contact of said relay, said fifth contact and said firstcontact, and an auxiliary circuit for said reverse magnet including said resistor, said back contact of said relay, said sixth contact, and said second contact.

4. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by trafl'ic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, with a fifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its reverse position, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact, an indication lamp, a first circuit for said indication lamp including a normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact, a second circuit for said indication lamp including a reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact, a resistor, a third circuit for said indication lamp including said resistor, a back contact of said relay, said fifth contact, and said third contact; and a fourth circuit for said indication lamp including said resistor, said back contact of said relay, said sixth contact, and said fourth contact.

5. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal position or to its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by traffic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with normal and reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, with a fifth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke position and its normal position, and with a sixth contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position between its mid stroke'position and its reverse position, a circuit for said normal magnet including a normal contact of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact; a circuit for said reverse magnet including a reverse contact of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact, an indication lamp, a first circuit for said indication lamp including a normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact, a second circuit for said indication lamp including a reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact, a resistor, a third circuit for said indication lamp including said resistor, a back contact of said relay, said fifth contact, and said third contact; a fourth circuit for said indication lamp including said resistor, said back contact of said relay, said sixth contact and said fourth contact, an auxiliary circuit for said normal magnet including said resistor, a back contact of said relay, said fifth contact and said first contact, and an auxiliary circuit for said reverse magnet including said resistor, said i back contact of said relay, said sixth contact, and said second contact.

6. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal or its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by traffic conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with two normal and two reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided. with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position; a circuit for said normal magnet including one of the normal contacts of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact of said circuit controller; a circuit for said reverse magnet including one of the reverse contacts of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact of said circuit controller; two indication lamps, a circuit for the one lamp including the other normal contact of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact of said circuit controller; and a circuit for the other lamp including the. other reverse contact of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and said fourth contact of said circuit controller. '7. In combination, a railway switch having normal and reverse positions, a switch operating mechanism operatively connected with said switch, said mechanism being provided with means for biasing the switch to its nearest extreme position and with a normal and a reverse magnet and being effective for moving the switch to its normal or its reverse position according as said normal or said reverse magnet is energized, a relay controlled by traific conditions adjacent said switch, a manually operable lever having normal and reverse positions and provided with two normal and two reverse contacts, a circuit controller operatively connected with said switch, said circuit controller being provided with a first contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but is normal position, with a second contact which is closed when the switch occupies any position but its reverse position, with a'third contact which is closed when and only when the switch occupies its normal position, and with a fourth contact which is closed when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position; a circuit for said normal magnet including one of the normal contacts of said lever, a first front contact of said relay, and said first contact of said circuit controller; a circuit for said reverse magnet including one of the reverse contacts of said lever, a second front contact of said relay, and said second contact of said circuit controller; two indication lamps, a circuit for the one lamp including both normal contacts of said lever, said first front contact of said relay, and said third contact of said circuit controller; and a circuit for the other lamp including both reverse contacts of said lever, said second front contact of said relay, and

said fourth contact of said circuit controller.

HENRY S. YOUNG.

HERBERT L. BONE. 

